1
as in candidate
one who seeks an office, honor, position, or award
a strong contender for the mayoral position
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in competitor
one who strives for the same thing as another
several contenders competing for the title of the city's best Italian restaurant
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of contender
In an awards season that is looking pretty wicked on a number of levels, the Golden Globes pulled back the curtain on some magical contenders this morning.
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Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
Most of the main contenders fly in for the Gothams, and many stick around to get some extra campaigning in.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2024
Mastodon and Instagram's Threads were some of the original top contenders in the race, but none have been able to firmly take hold as X's top competition.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
This left Jenna and Joey and Ilona and Alan as the final two contenders.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contender 
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Dec. 2024
Most of the main contenders fly in for the Gothams, and many stick around to get some extra campaigning in.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2024
Mastodon and Instagram's Threads were some of the original top contenders in the race, but none have been able to firmly take hold as X's top competition.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
This left Jenna and Joey and Ilona and Alan as the final two contenders.
—Dana Rose Falcone, People.com, 27 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contender
Noun
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McCormick could be shaping up to be this season’s version of White, emerging as a dark horse candidate to provide short-term RB utility for fantasy managers in the coming weeks.Theo Gremminger, The Athletic, 14 Dec. 2024
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The downward notes reverberating from Cristal Baschet sound out seemingly every time Lawrence’s heart sinks or doubt surfaces about one of the candidates for the papacy.Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Her historic achievement at Kansas Speedway as the highest-placing female debut driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, coupled with her 27 top-10 finishes in the ARCA Menards Series, set her apart as a formidable competitor in the field.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
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Meanwhile, competitors including WeRide and Pony.ai in China, and Alphabet’s Waymo in the U.S. are already operating commercial robotaxi fleets and services.Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The 49-year-old broadcaster, who took over the beloved game show from veteran host Pat Sajak in September, showcased his breakdancing skills while chatting with contestants during a commercial break on Tuesday, December 10.Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
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The 17-time Grammy winner was a Mega Mentor this season and sat in on bass in the Semifinals last week as the contestants tackled his songs in pairs.Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Windsor and East Catholic didn’t have to play each other until mid-February last season and then the two CCC rivals played each other twice in two weeks, with Windsor winning the regular season game, 77-73 and the CCC championship, 63-61.Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 16 Dec. 2024
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These concerns, including nine penalties and eight sacks allowed, can’t be ignored heading into next week’s rematch and pivotal game against the Philadelphia Eagles, an NFC East rival, and the closing stretch.Ben Standig, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Contender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contender. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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